Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Off to Stratford-Upon-Avon I go! Morning classes, a rush to grab hairspray I forgot yesterday, a rush back to the flat for lunch (taco salad, delicious, salsa is my new best friend) and pick up my bag to then rush along High Street Kensington to take the tube to rush to Marylebone train station to rush up and —wait.
We only waited about a half-hour before we boarded the train, but it was a lot of rushing to get there. I only wish I could describe the hilarity of forty people, all with large backpacks or carry-ons, shifting their way through the mass amount of people madness that is affectionately called “the tube.” I packed my carry-on and little bag for my computer, once again overpacking, however I was extremely happy with the rolling wheels on this piece of luggage I almost kissed them, except that would be extremely gross.
The train ride was a nice time to chat with Jen as we watched the English countryside. Green pastures followed one after another, all scattered with sheep, and occasionally we would see a house or two. It was as if life began to get more still with each passing pasture, time shifting to a slower tick, everything seeming to slow down simultaneously together. I was able to breathe.
When we got to Stratford-Upon-Avon it was a walk to get to the bed and breakfasts we all were staying in (suitcase wheels, again, saved me). My bed and breakfast was Hollies, actually Royalyn, because they’re connected which was odd. Anyway, it was the most adorable place I have ever stayed. It was quaint and charming. And the best thing about it, I got an entire en-suite room to myself!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, an entirely furnished room with attached bath all for my enjoyment whilst in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Shakespeare’s hometown, plus my own room, I may never want to go back to London! A full-sized bed, four pillows (that are actual pillows), a wardrobe, and even a little chair, all within a green and cream color scheme, which only added to the country charm.
It wasn’t long before we were out again walking to our first play Henry IV, part one presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company. I really enjoyed this production, particularly how they started the play. There was a post-show talk-back which I really enjoyed to hear how this company approaches Shakespeare. I liked when one actor talked about not looking at whether it’s a tragedy, comedy, or history, but rather look at it as a story, because every story has a bit of all three. Good stuff.
We only waited about a half-hour before we boarded the train, but it was a lot of rushing to get there. I only wish I could describe the hilarity of forty people, all with large backpacks or carry-ons, shifting their way through the mass amount of people madness that is affectionately called “the tube.” I packed my carry-on and little bag for my computer, once again overpacking, however I was extremely happy with the rolling wheels on this piece of luggage I almost kissed them, except that would be extremely gross.
The train ride was a nice time to chat with Jen as we watched the English countryside. Green pastures followed one after another, all scattered with sheep, and occasionally we would see a house or two. It was as if life began to get more still with each passing pasture, time shifting to a slower tick, everything seeming to slow down simultaneously together. I was able to breathe.
When we got to Stratford-Upon-Avon it was a walk to get to the bed and breakfasts we all were staying in (suitcase wheels, again, saved me). My bed and breakfast was Hollies, actually Royalyn, because they’re connected which was odd. Anyway, it was the most adorable place I have ever stayed. It was quaint and charming. And the best thing about it, I got an entire en-suite room to myself!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, an entirely furnished room with attached bath all for my enjoyment whilst in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Shakespeare’s hometown, plus my own room, I may never want to go back to London! A full-sized bed, four pillows (that are actual pillows), a wardrobe, and even a little chair, all within a green and cream color scheme, which only added to the country charm.
It wasn’t long before we were out again walking to our first play Henry IV, part one presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company. I really enjoyed this production, particularly how they started the play. There was a post-show talk-back which I really enjoyed to hear how this company approaches Shakespeare. I liked when one actor talked about not looking at whether it’s a tragedy, comedy, or history, but rather look at it as a story, because every story has a bit of all three. Good stuff.